Classification- Fish Hatchery Technician
Job Status- Full-Time/Non-Permanent
Appointment Length- 6 Months – January 1, 2026 – June 30, 2026
WDFW Program- Fish Program – Hatcheries Division
Duty Station- Issaquah, Washington – Issaquah Hatchery – King* County
*In addition to the base salary, this position is eligible for 5% premium pay for positions located in King County.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Are you passionate about fisheries and eager to support our hatchery operations?
 
At Issaquah Hatchery, you will assist in maintaining hatchery facilities and equipment, as well as participating in fish culture activities.
 
You are excited to contribute to Washington state’s fish conservation efforts while gaining valuable hands-on experience!

WHAT TO EXPECT -
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will:

Fish Culture.

• Feeds fish their calculated daily ration.
• Monitors fish behavior and health.
• Monitors egg and fish production.
• Administers therapeutants, calculates and administers drugs as prescribed.
• Identifies, sorts, and samples species for spawning and adult distribution.
• Cleans ponds and raceways, troughs, and incubator systems to maintain fish health.

Operation and Maintenance of Facility.

• Monitors water flow and quality parameters; takes water samples and readings, e.g. dissolved gases, suspended settleable solids, and other parameters as required.
• Maintains proper water flow and rearing environments.
• Responds to alarms, determining and taking appropriate action.
• Monitors and maintains facility support systems.
• Actively identifies safety hazards and acts or recommends remedies as appropriate.
• Maintains the hatchery landscaping.

Record Keeping.

• Enters data into forms and spreadsheets; demonstrates proficiency with computerized forms and accuracy in recordkeeping (fish mortality, feed sheets, feed inventory, chemical usage).
• Fills out standard report forms.  Accurately fills out agency forms such as fish transfer tickets, hatchery invoice tickets, etc.
• Submits complete and accurate forms as required.

Operation and Maintenance of Equipment.

• Organizes and maintains hatchery tools, equipment, and grounds.
• Communicates safety concerns in a timely and accurate manner (management to staff and staff to management).
• Uses tools and equipment properly and safely.
• Stores tools and equipment properly.
• Constructs new hatchery equipment.

Public Contact and Communications.

• Responds to questions from visitors to the facility.
• Interacts with the public in a polite, professional manner.
• Interacts with volunteers.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: Work occurs in a fish hatchery environment and involves both indoor and outdoor tasks in variable and sometimes severe weather conditions. Work may be performed alone or as part of a team in remote locations with limited access to immediate assistance.

The role involves strenuous physical activities such as lifting, carrying, and moving feed bags and other materials weighing up to 44 pounds on a daily basis. Duties are conducted in and around water, which may include working on wet, slippery surfaces, near raceways, ponds, tanks, and other aquatic structures. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: Typically, Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM.  The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions.

Travel requirements:  Frequent driving of a state vehicle on and around hatchery grounds. Travel to and from other hatchery grounds may be required to accomplish agency goals.

Customer Interactions:  Frequent interactions with members of the public, visitors, and volunteers at the hatchery. The technician responds to questions about hatchery operations, fish culture practices, and general facility information, providing clear and accurate explanations. Regularly engages with visitors of all ages and backgrounds, ensuring interactions are polite, professional, and reflective of the agency’s customer service standards. Coordinates and communicates with volunteers who assist with hatchery activities, offering guidance, answering questions, and helping ensure safe and productive volunteer experiences.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

High School graduation or GED equivalency.

License:  Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

Six (6) months experience or more in/with:

• Hatchery environment.
• Methods and equipment used for grounds maintenance.
• Working out of doors in all weather conditions.
• Performing strenuous physical tasks.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three (3) professional references with current contact information.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

Important Note: 

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link:  https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

Union - WAFHP:

These positions are in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Hatchery Professionals and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish Hatchery Professionals (WAFHP).

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice: 

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following: 

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov.
• Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2024-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran).
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications.   Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully.  All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer.  We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity.  Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or emailJayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com. 

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov and reference job number/title from the top of this posting.

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